Sand Hampton Gives $500 to Tourists for Crime Prevention

It has been rumored that the Sand Hampton Chamber of Commerce, local officials and the Sand Hampton Police Department are doing everything they can this year to promote the town as a safe and exciting place to visit.

Thinking outside the box, they have implemented a new pilot program, in an attempt to reduce crimes committed by tourists this summer. The program provides up to $500 cash per person (must be able to provide valid identification with address other than Suffolk County). Additionally, to qualify, all recipients must meet one of the two following criteria:

1. Have a criminal record that includes shoplifting, petty theft or other non-violent crimes within the past 10 years

2. Can pass a lie detector test confirming their intent to commit a non-violent crime while vacationing in the Hamptons

Sand Hampton Police Commissioner Larry Shivers indicated that the program is anticipated to reduce crime by more than 95 percent. He added, “Because of the overwhelming response to this program, I have laid off all but one of my officers until after Labor Day.”

Each cash beneficiary is also required to sign a statement promising not to commit any crimes while in Sand Hampton. However, it does not make reference to committing crimes in any other towns, hamlets or villages in the Hamptons.

Visitors are asked to show up at Sand Hampton Police Headquarters between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to collect their cash. To safeguard against unscrupulous visitors attempting to collect twice, all beneficiaries are required to be photographed at the time of payment.

The program has so far been an overwhelming success with no thefts reported since before July 4 weekend. To date, more than $1.1 million has been handed out in cash.